Explore the natural world in Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s homeschool classes. Students ages 5-18 from the local homeschool community can attend sessions designed to complement homeschool science curriculums and make homeschooling more convenient, interactive, and engaging for your family.
Upcoming Homeschool Classes
Spring Homeschool Classes listed below meet at the museum on the following Mondays.
- April 1
- April 8
- April 15
- April 22
- April 29
Last day to register for classes is March 27, 2024
Is your class sold out? Sign up for the waitlist.
Eye Spy
Ages 5-7
1:00-3:30 p.m.
Challenge your senses and skills on a visual quest full of surprises. Search the museum for the smallest specimens on display, look for mystery minerals, and discover how our eyes play tricks on us. Learn how animals use their brains and eyes as predators and prey, and conduct experiments with colors. Create your own camouflage and test it out on an Eye Spy adventure.
Camouflage Chaos
Ages 8-10
1:00-3:30 p.m.
Use your eye for details to puzzle through patterns and unearth some of the smallest specimens on display in the museum. Make connections between cultural artifacts and the natural world. Learn how your brain decodes fine detail by experimenting with light and color. Dissect a real cow eyeball using age-appropriate tools and techniques as we examine the science of camouflage.
Birds of a Feather
Ages 11-13
1:00-3:30 p.m.
Soar into the scientific study of birds! Explore the amazing adaptations and body features of different kinds of birds that help them eat, breed, and survive in their ecosystems. Discover the mechanics of flight in birds, insects, even some mammals and reptiles. Visit Dinosaurs in Their Time to investigate fossils that connect dinosaurs and modern birds. Search for different bird species in nearby Schenley Park and in the museum’s dioramas. Make a nature journal from recycled materials to record your findings, then take what you’ve learned to design and build your own bird that will thrive in its environment.
Biochemistry
High School
9:00-11:30 a.m.
Enhance your scientific knowledge of the natural world through the study of biochemistry. Explore the chemical processes of living organisms, and dive into biological systems like DNA and proteins. Discover the basis of the foods that fuel our bodies, and dig into what makes plants thrive in their environment. Learn about the basic needs of living things and the science of health, nutrition, and medicine.
Refund Policy
For multi-session classes, full refund less $10 handling fee for withdrawals made at least one week before program begins. Withdrawals made less than one week before the program starts, but before the second class session, are subject to a fee of $10 plus the pro-rated cost of a single class. No refunds after the second class has met.
Inclement Weather Policy
For children’s programs scheduled to occur December through March, the following inclement weather policy will be used: Should hazardous conditions result in cancellation of classes, announcements will be made on television stations KDKA, WTAE, WPXI, and FOX. Decisions are based on the needs of all students and instructors, some of whom drive considerable distances to Oakland. Makeup days may be scheduled for missed classes. During any inclement weather, please use your own discretion to attend for your own safety and that of your student.